Students participating at the River Falls regional contests were, in front, from left, Theresa Doerr, Chantelle Brezina, Kayla Biel and Tyler Raaen. In the second row are Coltin Wingert, Elle Leeper, Ross Olson, Hunter Aggen and Brady Ristau.

Students participating in the Stewartville FFA contest were, in front, from left, Connor Dols, Theresa Doerr and Kayla Biel. In the second row are Coltin Wingert, Cody Ristau, Brady Ristau and Elle Leeper. In the third row are Ross Olson, Hunter Aggen, Caleb Fishbaugher, Tayah Barnes and Bailey Barnes.

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Throughout the past month, several FFA members from Fillmore Central have been competing in three different FFA livestock evaluations.

The season started with Tri-State Dairy Day. This event is held at the Northeast Iowa Community College's (NICC) Dairy Center in Calmar, Iowa. Fillmore Central took one dairy cattle judging team.

Next was the Miller Invitational, conveniently located in Mabel. This is strictly a general livestock contest, where the FFA chapter also took one judging team.

The final invitational contest is held in Stewartville. Here there is a horse, dairy cattle and general livestock competition. Over 500 students from southeastern Minnesota came to compete. Fillmore Central was well represented with judges in all three contest areas.

All of these invitational contests serve as practice leading up to the regional competition, which is also the state qualifier. This contest was held at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls on Oct. 11. Fillmore Central again took contestants in each area.

Kayla Biel and Coltin Wingert have attended each dairy judging contest available to them this fall.

Theresa Doerr, Elle Leeper and Ross Olson have been competing in horse evaluation this fall with participation from Bailey Barnes, Tayah Barnes and Chantelle Brezina at various events.

Hunter Aggen and Brady Ristau have anchored the general livestock team with other members including Connor Dols, Tyler Raaen, Cody Ristau and Caleb Fishbaugher participating as they are able.

Throughout the season, Fillmore Central has seen its general livestock team do the best, placing well individually and as a team. The best part is that all of the judging competitors will be able to compete again next year, and for some students another three to four years.

"We are all very excited about the potential our FFA members exhibit at Fillmore Central," said FFA advisor Jenelle Thorman.